1999 Ford Cougar V6 review from UK and Ireland

Alternator replaced.

One month later the alternator and battery needed replacing.

The car is a good drive, but has a number of design flaws.

I have read the comments on this site with interest, but it's too late as I have now got my cougar!!! Funnily enough people in the UK do not seem to have had as many problems with their cars. Most have manual transmission and the sunroof was not fitted too many cars.

Here are a few tips I have gleaned along the way.

1. Engine life is greatly increased if the oil level is always kept at max.

2. Replace oil every 3K miles with proper Ford 5W-30 Formula E.

3. Always have half a tank of fuel at least to make sure that fuel pump is cooled by fuel.

4. Boot release can be sorted by fitting a second spring (Ford changed this on MK2 version).

5. Most battery/alternator problems can be prevented by doing the following 3 things. Uprating the wiring from the alternator to the battery, the alternator earth, and battery earth. Ford's standard is way too thin. (will be getting this done next week.) This also cures the flickering lights.

6. You can change the rims and tyres from the standard Cougar ones to get cheaper tyres.

7. If you got the loud noise on starting (called moosing), it is an easy fix done by changing one of the tubes in the air intake assembly.

8. Always make sure that the washer watertank is full to max to prevent water fluid low level light coming on.

9.Don't use a car wash if you don't want the windows to leak.

10. Make sure all running gear inside the door for the windows is well greased to prevent them sticking.

Last but not least, get friendly with a local mechanic who knows how things really work!! Join a Cougar specific forum.